'66 in-dash clock

[Twilight Fenrir]

Well, as with every other car ive seen with a dial clock, my 66 toro's doesn't work... What is usully the culprit with these? Is it something I can probably fix, or would it have to go to a clocksmith? thanks.

[68 Toro]

Like nearly everybody else's Toronado, my 1968 Toronado's dash clock was dead when I bought the car about 6 years ago.

For awhile I considered removing it and installing a tachometer in its place. In fact, I was searching through eBay for a "tick tach tock" combination tachometer and clock (from a late '60s GM muscle car). They always went for hundreds and hundreds of dollars, and no guarentee of proper functioning of either component, which likely would have meant a trip to a costly instrument repair shop.

I bought an inexpensive engine temp gauge and my mechanic installed it. See lower photo. It works wonderfully.

I did not want to lose the function of the dashboard engine temperature warning lights. My mechanic recommended and I agreed to a small engine modification. See upper photo. If anyone desires an explanation, please post a reply.

[Twilight Fenrir]

Interesting... but I want my factory clock, and in working order

No other substitutes will be accepted!

[Twilight Fenrir]

Hey, well whaddaya know? I found a pretty interesting article on another site, so I figured I'd share it with any who might look at this topic with the same question:

http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/Acce ... ebuild.htm

It's related to a Crown Imperial, but the concept is likely the same. There are several prevailing ideas, covered widely throughout the entire (long) posting-list. But, basically summed up its:

Cleaning and oiling
replacing with a quartz movement.

I'll try cleaning mine first, and turn to a quartz movement if I must. As long as it looks factory, I'll be happy enough. But, I do like the gentle click of a mechanical clock...

[tadmin]

Let us know how you do. I have the same issue and was debating the merits of trying to service my clock or convert to quartz as well.

Thanks!

[abonino]

Check these folks out. http://www.clocksandgauges.com/

They make repair kits with instructions. I've done several clocks for my restorations using their kits. The kits come with instructions, and replacing the mechanism is an easy dinner table project for an afternoon or evening.

The downside is the kits are a quartz movement, but on the other hand quartz is more accurate and dependable.

alex
toa#605

[Twilight Fenrir]

Check these folks out. http://www.clocksandgauges.com/

They make repair kits with instructions. I've done several clocks for my restorations using their kits. The kits come with instructions, and replacing the mechanism is an easy dinner table project for an afternoon or evening.

The downside is the kits are a quartz movement, but on the other hand quartz is more accurate and dependable.

alex
toa#605

Well thanks for the link. I wasn't sure exactly where to go for a quartz movement... I'd really prefer to maintain the original movement if at all possible. I just like the ticking motion of old clocks. And, it's in my car, accuracy isn't the most critical thing in the world.

I'm going to try to repair my existing clock when I get a bit of time, and if I can't get it working, I'll get a movement from there... I'll post the results, and see if I can't make a bit of a documentary on it as I go. But, it will probably be another month or so before I can get to it. I'm still scrambling to get everything I need to get through winter in place. Fortunately, I did manage to finish getting my garage heated so far. So I'll be able to work through the winter.

[Toronado66]

Let us know how you do. I have the same issue and was debating the merits of trying to service my clock or convert to quartz as well.

Thanks!

The original wind up clock reminds me of a set of points more than anything when you take it apart. Every so often (like every 15 seconds or so), it triggers and does a little winding up. Just like points in the ignition, the 'points' / contacts get badly corroded and don't 'fire' anymore. You can disassemble and clean... and it will definitely work for some time. BUT.... these clocks ere notoriously bad time keepers even when new. And cleaning is only temporary fix... If you don't drive the car regularly...it'll definitely fail again soon. While I love the tick tick tick of the original... I have since gone to quartz on all my rides... it's just too darn reliable even if it is silent.

I used a local rebuilder here in WHittier CA... cost me about $75 each.

Darwin Falk
TOA#7